Ericsson Emphasizes Responsible Business, Energy and Technology for Good in 2013

Ericsson (News - Alert), a Swedish multinational provider of communications technology and services, has published its 21st “Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility” report summarizing its performance during 2013. 

The report includes information about a solidified approach to responsible business including rigorous compliance processes, energy efficient solutions from the company's product portfolio, and extended reach in providing access to communication for all, such as refugees and students in remote areas.

Hans Vestberg (News - Alert), president and CEO of Ericsson, said in a statement, "Sustainability is increasingly integrated into our business strategy. I firmly believe that our commitment to sustainability and CR enhances our competitiveness, and the actions we take today will enable positive business outcomes in the future."

With this new report, Ericsson is the first in the industry to conduct a full human rights impact assessment in line with the new United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

“This area continues to gain importance to all our stakeholders and we are focused on building a strong foundation for corporate responsibility within the company,” explained Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility. “This does not mean incidents can never happen, but it means when they do, we have strong operational processes in place to handle them." 

The company also reports improvements in its own activities and products in operation. Ericsson set a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent per employee by 2017. The full-year reduction for 2013 was 10 percent per employee.

In energy and environmental policies, Ericsson is thus showing improvements in its own activities and products in operation. Technology for Good programs, which aim to increase access and affordability to communications, have also reported significant progress in 2013.